The Lost Tribe: The CIA's Secret Army in Laos | REWIND

Half a century ago, as war raged in Vietnam, an isolated community in the jungles of northern Laos was recruited by the CIA to help fight the Viet Cong.
Over 50,000 of the Hmong tribe became part of the US's secret army, disrupting Communist supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh trail.
Thousands of Hmong died in the war. But their problems didn't end when the Americans withdrew.
Fearing a crackdown by Laos communist forces, many fled the country. But some several thousand stayed behind and continued to fight what they called 'Red Laos' from deep within the jungle, where they lived in hiding.
In 2008, Al Jazeera's Tony Birtley trekked uphill for more than two days through dense forests in search of the Hmong who were left behind. He found a settlement of fewer than 200 people, most born after the war but still living as their ancestors had.
He was the first outsider they had seen in 32 years.
More than a decade later, Rewind spoke to Birtley about how he came to cover the story and what has happened to the Hmong since.
"[I had] a great desire to cover that because it's one of those very important stories, but one that is overlooked because it's so difficult to do," Birtley says, recalling embarking on a "monumental hike for nearly three days over really, really large hills in darkness sometimes".
At first, the Hmong welcomed Birtley as someone who they thought could save them. But soon after, they decided to hold him hostage as a bargaining chip to help get them international attention and assistance.
"The chief of these people was quite convinced that by holding me he could get the United Nations to come and save them, despite what I was telling him," Birtley says. "They really believed that I wielded some kind of power and I tried to explain to them through a translator with bad English that this was not the case, and that really the United Nations was not about to come in and save them; that, really, they were still and would be on their own."
"It was never a case of my life being in danger," he adds. "I didn't fear these people. I understood their desperation and they were using whatever bargaining tool they could."
After his return, Birtley approached the UN and raised the issue of the plight of the Hmong with them.
"I went to New York, I went to the United Nations, I wrote to the secretary-general. I told everything I saw, I gave a link to the documentary I did. Absolutely nothing happened. When I raised it in a press briefing to the UN press people, they looked at me like 'yeah, and what?' It didn't register on the social consciousness of the United Nations or, in fact, the world."
"In many of the places I go to when you see the suffering, there is usually an outcome, there's an end to that suffering sometimes," Birtley says.
"But I got the sense - and since then I realised - that there's no end to their suffering because no one has come to help them ... If you put bloodshed on the TV screens, there's going to be a reaction. But of course, nobody can see what's happening to the Hmong; it's happening out of sight."
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[@duabcilauj4469]

I am a Hmong American and the fact that I am able to understand their words breaks my heart. My dad would always, and still does, tell me his story of escaping Laos during the secret war with his family, which has left a scar on him as he lost some family members on the way. They would only travel at night to not get caught and some hmong people had to leave their babies behind since they didn't want to get caught by their cries. My dad would also describe to me his fear as a child and when walking through the mountains you would see dead bodies of hmong people, as they weren't able to carry on with the journey of escaping. My parents always told me to be grateful to be living in America but the fact that other Hmong people who are stuck in Laos and Thailand who are wanting freedom in America makes me sad. Many states in the U.S. that have a huge population of Hmong people (California, Wisconsin, Minnesota) are not loving each other. It is hmong against hmong in many cases (violence). Some are getting rid of their roots and not being grateful for what their grandparents and parents has been through for them to be in America with many great opportunities. But I know many many people are still proud to be Hmong. I'm really thankful for documentaries and many others for learning about the Hmong. I really hope the world remembers the Hmong with their hard work and sufferings for all these years. - I also do know that Hmong people are starting to become more known in the U.S. as my brother and I go to stores and people who are not hmong recognizes our hmong names and telling us stories of how interested they are with Hmong culture, as well as some speaking the language to us.

[@cimyang9678]

Your not alone bud, I’m Hmong as well :D

[@장원호-d5k]

Hmong against Hmong? What's going on? You should be stick together when you are few in number.

[@ancientnoodle8372]

@@장원호-d5k we would want to, but both sides would try to recruit Hmong people. And if you refused they might kill you or imprison you

[@samanthav8728]

God Bless you. Do you know if there has been any change in Laos since this documentary? I am a prayer warrior and I can only pray...I am praying for you here in the US nd for all your Hmong peoples!

[@LittleSaint425]

ty for sharing. My dad also tell a similar story too. My heart still cried out for the one being left behind.

[@rkstew]

I am an American, and when I see films like this, I am ashamed of my government.

[@joshyang7226]

My people die for America, I'm a product of these people and served proudly in the US military

[@_nasheed3740]

@@joshyang7226 Cause you a sheep. Not any better than any mercenary

[@hermonaregai810]

Almost every country's people have some thing to be ashamed of their governments' acts. It's the act of human nature . Just as every society has harmful behaviour individuals and every human being can tentionally or intentionally committe mistakes or crimes. Governments corporate groups and some private or government companies can cause fatal and distructive actions against evironment or society just for some short gain benefits. Generally, governments are just collective individuals of in every society who have advantage of wealth, means of production tools, knowlegable people employees, and authorative power under their control.

[@michaelwalters7333]

Government's Sucks

[@nonyabusiness2629]

We need to do better, that’s for sure

[@pahouavang825]

Very sad. The US used Hmong as their shields and protectors but didn’t care to go back for them. It’s a story that Hmong never forget.

[@aceshadowins1310]

Pahoua Vang but here you are in the U.S. typing on the internet thanks to the Americans for taking you into refuge. So i don’t understand where you’re coming from.

[@pahouavang825]

Ace Shadowins if many of us did not walk through the jungle-suffering days and months or starvation and death on the way...will American come back for us. Yes we forgive our allies but cannot forget history.

[@tinateews9494]

Pahoua Vang Not just Hmong, Khmu people and Lao Lum from the countryside as well. I'm Khmu, I lost two uncles and family members. They were killed. There are some Khmu women and mostly men who made it to USA as refugees but disable.

[@loganlodhaseng4891]

@@aceshadowins1310 you wouldn t understand unless you were there or experienced...

[@aceshadowins1310]

LoGan LoDhaseng i’m just clearly stating, America did do something to help us. Of course they left the cia hmong soldiers but they’re gladly taking in the Hmong people who want to take refugee, so that’s something.

[@bboyshinny]

I cant even bear to watch this as a Hmong person. Born in Thailand and raise in Australia. My people fought for the US cause and this is what they give in return. UN turning a blind eye as nothing can be done. wow so much for UNITED NATION!

[@thanhhoangho5455]

và họ không được chào đón ở lào , tại sao chắc bạn hiểu. họ là dân di cư từ trung quốc và muốn sống ở lào thì phải chấp nhận thích ứng dẹp bỏ hủ tục lạc hậu , tôn trọng thể chế chính trị nước họ. tui thấy nhiều người hmong có ý nghĩ muốn xâm chiếm lào.

[@duceswild1042]

As sad and heart felt this documentary was for the Hmong people of Laos, I’m Khmu, Native and indigenous to the country of Laos, I am to Laos what Indians are to America, my dad was also part of the Vietnam War (CIA) America dropped hundreds of thousands of bomb on the Country, I’m an American, I owe it all to my dad, crossing the Mekong River, at the dark of the night to escape the War after helping the CIA, he crossed the River into Thailand, Refugee Camp and made it to America, He also helped other Khmu escape the War and sponsored them to come to America, which a handful of them never gave my dad the appreciation/ respect he deserved. He helped so many Khmu people before his early death at 65 yrs old and none of these Khmu (Richmond California) people gave my dad the respect he deserved. TBH my dad could’ve left your Khmu family in the Jungle of Laos, you and your family would’ve never made it to America, so with my anger and my truth, give the love and respect to the Khmu community where it deserved. Exactly why I DO NoT engage in Khmu functions, all a bunch of haters and self lofting refugees that perhaps my Dad helped get to this beautiful American soil. You would’ve never been an American. Now you’re English speaking and bold. I’m not wanting to talk down/ tear down the Khmu people, but IMO it’s all BS. We don’t stick together, we talk behind each others back, we criticize, we do not lift each other up, we fight (gangs) amongst our own, the list of negativity goes on. To be brutally honest, Khmu people thought Hmong people was below them, yes….. I said it, the story told were Hmong people were Gypsies, you people didn’t have a country to call home, you were pushed out of China (Mongolia) how did you end up in Laos??Again, My people were indigenous to Laos, tbh my Ancestors were pushed out of the city of Laos into the Mountains of Laos, however; it’s not here or there… I am more wanting social media to know that Khmu people fought that Secret War as well. 🙌🏽🙏🏽✌🏽

[@onehmong9368]

Thank you for doing this video. It's been long overdue. 40 + years.

[@KC-qd4pg]

Tell you what it’ll never over.

[@AR01Official]

US should clean it's mess. They can easily afford to give asylum to such an small community.

[@annalarsson5077]

US cant afford anything, not even dignity to their own people. Every lent penny seems to end up in another war and more abandon allais.

[@КракенИляев]

@@annalarsson5077 usa seems to be colony of england-windsor and now england is abandoning usa so it's getting gradualy worse in america

[@aceshadowins1310]

Кракен Иляев says the muslim dude.

[@halvang2728]

@antidzomtribute The govt seen this video but they decided not to do nothing ....is very sad when you used them to fight on a war and in return you do nothing un-human.

[@michaelseet3779]

Sadly they are of a wrong colour of merica

[@aaronhan1107]

Video was taken in 2008, it's been 11 years now. Cannot imagine the sorrow they go through. Hurts me to think there might be just a few of them left in the forest due to the lack of help, food and medicine. We must count our blessings each day.

[@officeranuch1660]

for those who dont know: they show the highest form of respect by kneeling and raise their hand above the forehead.

[@nalyv1.7]

Heng Sovandy They do that because they think there is still hope that god will still help them and there father and mothers who has pasted away and they believe that they will help them through there tuff time. As Hmong and from Laos i feel so bad for my people has be left back at Laos and suffering from pain

[@timothykwong8224]

The U.S. Ambassador to Laos and the Laos Government must work out a deal that these Hmong's safety will be insured , surrender peacefully , turn in all weapons and they will be relocated to other Hmong communities in Laos , given assistance , housing , medical , training , jobs , education of children , to help them assimilate to a new way of life. A peaceful negotiation is possible , give and take on both sides , a agreement to ensure the ending of violence on both sides , .....it all begins in good faith dialogue between the leaders of both sides , with a mediator to oversee the agreement.🤔🤔🤔

[@TheBackupUp]

Yes. A side will gain more citizens that are very capable than the average citizen but just lack knowledge and the other will be "praised" for their good doing.

[@MrWolf-ws8cl]

I totally agree Timothy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hope the authorities will pay heed.

[@kp5518]

No, these rebels are still being support by Vang Pao lagacy. ....I'm saddened by how Hmong is using Hmong for their own advancements. No one care if they live or die and all they ever talked about is getting their own country. ...they're the fighters and they're the victims of greed.....if these rebels get killed they show video to United nation.... ...it's win win situation for Hmong in USA. ....hmong will never have their own country because they are not the original lao. ...lao has ruined budhist temples some are over 500-900 yrs old ..no hmong land there....

[@timothykwong8224]

@@kp5518 sooner or later , they must realize they are fighting an unwinable battle , they are dying in vain . The leadership should either have them surrender or figure a way of getting those people to safety. Maybe to refugee camps in neighboring country and work out with the U.S. steps for immigration as politic asylum refugee status ?

[@kp5518]

Yes, I agreed but their chou Fah leaders are well fed but only lower rank are left to fight for small tookens...the rebels are taking orders from the Hmong in USA ....their leader Vang Pao group was caught by FBI they were trying to move weapons, money and the plan was to disrupt the lao government. ...I don't think the USA is going to get involved beside the USA supreme court changes the rule on asylum seekers. ..the problem is hmomg in USA making life for these people in dangereouse situation....there're killing their own people.

[@vivolaos7652]

CIA used Hmong people to be their Soldier for the war in Laos but CIA don't help them now.

[@Kobi-um7bj]

The CIA see the Hmong peoples as primitive and uneducated, they have no use for them now. They used them and tossed them like garbage. Now it's up to the Hmong peoples to gave up their arms and join together as one community to educate themselves and move up the latter chain.

[@NgJackal1990]

Money well spent!

[@dreamscape854]

CIA , a betrayer gang

[@germangunslinger9081]

Same wht they did in afghanistan. Use them to fight with Russia federation.after the war finish they just leave them like that

[@vivolaos7652]

@@germangunslinger9081 USA like to use people in the same country kill each other such as in Laos, Vietnam, korea...

[@lifeyang2]

Thanks for posting this video. It is informative. I am a California born Hmong, but my parents suffered the tragedy of horror and luckily escaped.

[@nayanmalig]

Have you seem the victims of agent orange ?

[@zeluokuotsu1172]

Find help.

[@sko1beer]

sad truth is only the hmong community in america and other places will need to help them

[@nayanmalig]

@Gary Williams You mean Donald Trump ?

[@robertmount1379]

Tell your family i as an american im sorry for what my government has done to your ppl.

[@NuminousChild]

I had always watched all of your guys documentary, never thought that you guys would touch base on this topic. THank you so much for documenting and sharing your experience.

[@sushilmehta212]

CIA used kurdish people and leave them.

[@cutrang8406]

Papyrus Okagbue kuv.ua.tsuas.nwb.yos.leej.tws.hlub.txos.kwv.tij.cob.fab.ces.nws.mauj.koob.mauj.hmoov.nwb.thaib.nws...tej.xeeb.leej.ntxwv.mauj.koob.mj...hmoov.los.ntwam.tswv.ntuj.txoj.kev.zoo.kuv.au.tsuas.ntau

[@CiindddyLauj]

Thank you for this video! My grandparents help the Americans fought during the Vietnam war. Many were killed while trying to escape after the Americans left. My heart still aches for the one behind.

[@aviandirivaldi]

Do you know how the way to contact or reach them for people from another Country ? That wanna help them ?

[@cheexiong1449]

@@aviandirivaldiif you want to help… get a hold of Pakistan’s ISI to supply them and shuffle foreign fighters into Laos through Burma.

[@cheexiong1449]

It is what it is… import the Islamic fundamentals and problem solve

[@14MCDLXXXVIII88]

so your grandparents helped Americans kill your own countrymen.

[@TheEverCuriousJen]

The Hmong people should have never trusted the U.S. They did so to their own detriment. The Vietnam War was never about fighting communism. Follow the money, it was about military profiteering and opium.

[@IShallNotBeSilent]

This is so heartbreaking. The leaders of our country have not only betrayed us but used these people then threw them away without a care. I am ashamed. God help these people and us all. We all are going to be living like this if we disagree with them.

[@島袋誠-z6k]

200 + people, they faught for us, they are as american as we are, why nobody fighting for them to come here? If we can accept iligal imigrants and willing to do anything for them, why don't we take in people that actually gave there lifes for us?

[@1konglee]

Makoto Shimabukuro we fought for CIA but We got nothing back from UN and we can take over Laos if US don’t lie to us

[@aceshadowins1310]

Hmoobz Lee take over Laos? Now that’s something the UN wouldn’t support. Maybe take refugee for the people who fought for them.

[@LaoLishLife]

Hmoobz Lee Hmong people do need to have a country of their own.

[@neobendeovolente8118]

politics, it depends how useful they are and if sensationalizing their plight can be used for browny points

[@Kob99029]

The American betray those who fought their war everywhere not only in Laos.The most untrustworthy so call allies.

[@paolee2730]

Thank you Al Jazeera for this video.

[@terrabyte-techy]

So touching, who else is in tears like me?

[@TirsoArbiol]

I am a Filipino. Seeing this documentary late touched my heart that i cried. It haunts me! I couldnt bare to see how that man plead and ask to this journalist to give them a life. A very simple wish that these people didnt have while all who have viewed may have taken the freedom - including me has taken for granted. It questions my existence and the logic 'why some people could not live a normal life. I can' t blame ideology: both side of the coin has done bad things. I am talking about humanity. Why cant these people live a normal life? Like you and me. God bless these people. They are a victim of ideology. They are tired of WAR. They want a life desparate!!! I hope i would stumble upon a follow up video on these people this 2019. I want to know how are they surviving. Let PEACE and LOVE be upon us all. Love from the 🇵🇭

[@corpchannel2523]

Oo nga pre swerte tayu dito tayu sa pinas

[@LiterallySomething]

Hope the US will take responsibility with an initiative to rescue these Hmong desperate and deserted people,

[@LaoLishLife]

Chuchai Tangsompon sorry to burst your bubble of hope. In order to take responsibility, AmeriCA would have to admit to wrongdoing, which is nearly impossible since AmeriCA can’t even agree on reparations. And right now, AmeriCa is building a wall to keep brown people out. Hmong people would have a better chance to kneel to the Lao government and ask for forgiveness. Or hopefully there are enough Hmong Americans that could save their people.

[@whawkins8636]

I hope so too

[@GlobetechtruthJF]

@@LaoLishLife WHAT AN IDIOTIC REPLY...SO YOU HATE TRUMP...KEEP IT TO YOURSELF ..IM cANADIAN...AND CLOSE TO THIS PROBLEM. MAY DO SOMETHING ....

[@karentaylor196]

Chuchai Tangsompon - To use and desert is America's M.O.

[@lolyperez4892]

Karen Taylor USA = CIA= Zionist Jew, all in the same

[@paulyang9511]

Thank you for showing this video 😔😔

[@hueyang5943]

Please share our tears if we're human with a heart.

[@ricelor1284]

Hue Yang And you wonder why we turn into gang members lol

[@svang7220]

Just for some clarity, The Lost Tribe Documentary was published in 2008. I don't remember watching this documentary but I can still remember watching the 2007 documentary "Hunted Like Animals" with my father. I'll never forget the image of tears streaming down his face. Not sure where to go with this comment. All I can say is that I'm proud to be Hmong, and I am extremely grateful that my parents and grandparents were able to fled to the United States. Never take anything for granted.

[@bigdaddylee8019]

Prayer: God, please soften the heart of the Laos army and forgive these Hmong and their children and let them have the freedom they deserve 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@นนบบ-อ3ต]

😢😢😢

[@georgesologbah9743]

I am American citizen this video make me ashamed of my government!!

[@paganpoet3]

@Phil Hall ..."good people"?......Traitors of their culture and race are "good people"?.....You feel bad coz they are on their losing side....No...GOOD PEOPLE FOUGHT FOR THEIR COUNTRY AND DIED BY THE MILLIONS UNDER THE U.S.A GENOCIDAL AND RACIST COV.....SO CUT THE BULLSHIT....IF YOU WANT THEM SO MUCH AND FEEL SO SORY GO AND MARY THEM AND GET THEM TO YOUR HOUSE.....

[@hdpakistan6310]

This is a small chunk of history of deceit of your country. US abandoned its allies so many time after achieving its own objectives calling them as "the liability". Another example is Afghan Mujahideen in the past and now Afghan Government.

[@luiscirilo3851]

I am personally ashamed of how we ( Americans ) abandoned these brave Hmong people. No words can express the pain these people are going thru. I having served in Viet Nam during the 60's cannot express what I feel for these Hmong folks. Shameful is but a meaningless word to them.

[@ricelor1284]

Luis Cirilo heavens gods got a plan for my people they been watching I just want to thank you for ur kind words

[@ststube9855]

ooo yeah. its everywhere

[@sonjaburrows5949]

The war is over, so why are some comments on here so heartless ? Have you any compassion ? You can see the pain and lives these people are suffering. Yet heartless comments still coming. They need help , help them

[@NgJackal1990]

Help with what? These people can’t be helped.

[@ricelor1284]

Ethan Clarke u only talking bad about my people behind close doors what have u done for ur country sir LOL

[@Jthao86]

@@NgJackal1990 i see your comments here and there i see a hater

[@mexiong]

thank you Al Jazeera to bring up our Hmong people to the World to view.

[@1992trung]

i am not Hmong but this i cant bear watching . So depresseful and sad :'(

[@tranquilocomoelcielo]

Is there any way we can help this people ? What has happened to them ?

[@nguoinongthontv]

Thanks

[@johnthao5049]

@@tranquilocomoelcielo most likely gone brother

[@oswaldmargoni]

Can you explain please why they call him father?

[@abdultikasdalandas6703]

america always abandoning their allies when they dont get benefit out of them.

[@confusedkys6090]

It be hilarious if the usa gets jump

[@MRBRAZILLIANKING]

So true

[@thaiyang123]

I just wanted to thank Tony from the bottom of my heart for such a risky effort to find the Hmong People hiding in the jungle of Laos who were hunted and kill like animal by the evil Lao army. If they manage to find these people they will kill every single person, including children, babies, and elders with all kinds of cruelty punishment; not to be mention adults or mature ones. However, some of these people that are in this video already been punished and killed or starved to death. We all know whose fault was this.

[@taolao100]

They refused to come out and it is their choice. The government wants them to live normally as other Hmong communities in the county. Turn your blind eyes to the reality. You may don't know how many innocent people they killed on the road.

[@mundusnovus.]

@@taolao100 your blind to the propaganda they fed you that everything is all right now. That’s what led the US to be forced to acknowledge that the secret war even existed and that they led it. Because it was revealed that THAT was bs. It wasn’t ok and safe to go back. That was all propaganda. And you took it.

[@Santasei]

May Allah help my brethen. Thank you for bringing this issue back to the media. I am part Hmong-Lao and my parents had the chance to flee to Canada back in 1980. Laos is doing it’s business as if nothing is happening in the country. I guess like most Southeast asian nations mentality. Would of been great to actually have a real updated about the situation. I’ve seen the 2008 documentary.

[@idib1739]

Ameen ya rabb!

[@nkaujcualauj6363]

@@annalarsson5077 I don't think they we're referring to the Hmong. Yes I am Hmong. I don't believe my people will kill on a spree nor target anyone such as the killings happening now days like as Texas Shooting, Ohio Shooting, etc. Only if it's gang related or personal issue. By personal issue I mean as having extra affairs.

[@kristofflopez8493]

ameen ya rabb

[@ricelor1284]

Chia Lor Yog kawg

[@RizztrainingOrder]

Aren't we doing that to afghanis who helped us right now?

[@TheBackupUp]

Yes and we cover it up by saying "everyone is equal" when we all have debt that needs to be paid to us. Black Hmong Indian Dutch Japanese Native Americans And so much more (besides the white)

[@Arslan28933]

@Papyrus Okagbue Those entitled rich kids in Hong Kong are really stupid

[@bulujeegar9184]

To the Kurds as well during Desert Storm.

[@daoyang223]

yes, we are known for pulling out now.

[@suspicioususer]

You mean handing over affairs to the Afghan military? Do you want the US military to be there forever?

[@raijoel3990]

America foreign policies disgrace and disastrous for human life

[@suspicioususer]

and the communist that actually attack the Laos

[@leggo8838]

Hits the chest in a way to make you shed a tear. Hmong pride....

[@johnsonvang7169]

Watching this video hurts my heart like a knife going through the center of my spine. God! I call upon you! Please help my Hmong people who were left behind the in the mother land of the jungle in Laos.

[@MultiTictock]

can the hmong ban together , feed these people, get in there and help? appeal to their own governments and the UN?

[@kp5518]

You want to help rebels with guns answer CB radio? You don't worry hmong USA OG is sending them cash weapons so they can fight for your make believe hmong country? In other words hmong killing hmong...this is no ordinary hmong they are chou Fah freedom fighter....Fighting guns with guns....of course anyone will go after people with guns.?.anywhere in the world. . You shoot me and I shout you back. .. hmong in lao city are free ! drives toyota , making money and own homes? Because they're not rebels fighters. ..how many of these rebels killing lao? They have guns and obviously they are killer / victims. . Bullet travel very fast on both sides...these are Vang Pao's foot soldiers they are NOT refugees.

[@Ryan-ej8kf]

Johnson Vang .. please do your homework. USA conducted an evacuation and gave refuge to thousands of Hmong that still live in America. Those who remain did by choice, which they appear to regret now.

[@mathao3671]

Don't worry the world will turn his back on those who defiled documents and history of killing our own brothers and sisters

[@狠人大帝]

I am Miao/ghab Nes from China. I believe Hmong is Miao, Miao is Hmong. I feel sad after hearing your story. I am sad that I can do nothing for you my brothers and sisters. But my brothers and sisters Dont believe anyone but ourselves. In 21th century, We cant complain any more. We must study hard and work hard for a better future. Trust me. Never give up for loser now will be later to win.

[@dennisrivas9958]

He gets a award and they get nothing they just got mess up again

[@miltonperez1557]

Pwned

[@er6205]

First rule when dealing with the devil: Don't! He will leave you hanging every time.

[@frankwhite5948]

You called it 💯

[@suspicioususer]

It was the people who wanted America to get out of Southeast Asia

[@bvbxiong5791]

The other side of the story that viewers weren't told is that the Hmong who supported the CIA were granted asylum in the US, France and Australia immediately after the war was over, that's why there is a very large Hmong community in the US. Also, the vast majority of Hmong people in Laos are not persecuted like in the video. The ones in the video are the very, very few holdouts who did not surrender after the war and who refused to re-enter society...clandestinely or not.

[@mollymcvey569]

Oh my God the whole time I’m watching this documentary I could not stop crying:😭😭

[@Diamondbeach]

6 mins in and I’m gasping for air. Very hard to watch this. This documentary came out in 2008. I was in college when my dad shown it to me. I cried my heart out. My parents, my sister and I we lived through this war. Most people see me and see an American Hmong girl win her 30’s. 90% has no idea that my childhood is like the holocaust. Hiding, running, and starvation fr the war. I have memories of us escaping the war. Very sad.

[@boonbanrasavong2654]

You know the cries of the Hmong people is the cry and tear of Lao kingdom too.

[@GlobetechtruthJF]

WHATS YOUR POINT

[@agentorange8530]

@Cowworshiper PissDrinkingHindus Well the Hmongs are an ancient race so we could have been there first. I mean China drove us out of China.

[@ricelor1284]

Cowworshiper PissDrinkingHindus all talk no gas move around

[@paulinelivingston5052]

Creator of all living, please help us all. We are all confused and separated from you, it is time to help us. Let your Kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven. We are lost. Find us.

[@tranquilocomoelcielo]

Amén!

[@tranquilocomoelcielo]

Is there any way we can help this people ? What has happened to them ?

[@aapp953]

I don't think there is a God like the one Abrahamic religions depict. I think by now he would have announced his presence in some way. Yeah we have preachers who make the claim of communication with a God but if that was true they would not be doing bad things at the same time.

[@flyinbard7243]

I would like to ask Laotian Government and Laotian Military, please be kind on such people, help them to survive by forgiving them for those things happened a long and long ago, lets live together with the `` Metta of Buddha.``

[@SuperBestrong]

I am now 50 years old hmong. I was a part of this time but as a young child. My family was lucky enough to make it to united states. I remember very much escaping the war with my parents. It's so sad till this day they are still in this position.

[@chansamaiphommachan9947]

I am Lao and my mum is Hmong and I live in Laos. Do you know that the head of Lao parliament is a Hmong lady, Pany Yathorthou. The Lao government had have policy for the left CIA Hmong by providing agriculture land, houses. Their provided land even better than other Lao people. They are Lao no matter which side they fought for. The glasses man said the Lao army uses the surrenders to hunt them......no no....they want to bring you to city..... No one hunting or killing you. All of the children in this video are suffering because of the glasses man. He made a decision for them to live in the jungle. This video was made in 2008 which was 10 years ago. There are CIA Hmong villages allocated by Lao government along the road to Loung prabang and in Xiengkhoug too. Come to visit them and visit Laos and filming video to the outside world please. Come on don’t try to make propaganda. One more thing, there are many high level leaders in Laos are Hmong and of course they help those people from the jungle. Please send messages to CIA Hmong who still remain in forest Please stop ambush people living in cities. World is peaceful now. There are a lot of opportunities out here. You are not our enemies. You are us and loved. Give love not war. Come out 🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦❤️❤️❤️

[@tibetan.music.universe]

CIA used Tibetan warriors from Kham in exact same way. They funded and supported us until they saw no further need for services. But unlike Hmong people, they got no benefits after being used for US purposes and had to suffer in Nepal as refugees.

[@birajmallick1195]

Heart breaking.I'm speechless.

[@aprilvang3272]

Thank you Birtley, for your desire to search, document, and keeping your promise. Thank you for sharing your ham and cheese. The old man who lost his feet smiled so much. I appreciate seeing all these little things. I initially hated learning about how the Hmong were left to fend for themselves and the Americans left and became silent. I learned in college that the government mainly prioritized helping immediate Hmong rank leaders and probabily those that helped fight and their family members. Some Hmong were even flown to the US. Not sure if the Americans had anticipated there will be continued killings after retreating. I do see how the Americans helped in some ways but overall everyone is placed in hard hard positions. No need to point fingers and what's hard is figuring out how to move forward somehow and praying for no more unnecessary killings.

[@luevang5235]

I have no words to explain how broken I feel to see such reality. Watching women, men, and children cry is the most depressing thing, especially when you are connected to them by race and culture. I hope this aftermath caused by the war THIRTY YEARS AGO get fixed.

[@wittykitty143]

What can we do to help, I really want to know. I’m honest, how do we start? I always feel so powerless. How can we begin to help them?

[@aristophanes2000]

Contact the program producer and start a gofundme campaign. Then put a team together, go there in person and extricate these people. It is also imperative to contact your congress person and make a plea for help as well.

[@Ryan-ej8kf]

I really appreciate your comment. Instead of spewing anger you look for answers. Good luck on all your journey's.

[@sushirod2222]

BaChiX my family had to leave from Lao Their in America now

[@loveulez]

Send money PM for address

[@tranquilocomoelcielo]

Is there any way we can help this people ? What has happened to them ?

[@christopherxiong4412]

Thank you so much for you tell this story to all the worlds. This was happening after the Vietnam War, and the CIA, Secret War in Laos. Two different groups of the Hmong’s people have formed to stand up as well as United Freedom Fighters, and the other groups that they called themselves, Hmong Chao Fa is meant they called Hmong Sky Soldiers fight against the Communist Lao Government’s armies now. Thanks again for the kindness leader whoever is remarkably search to find this fact storytelling.

[@traunguyen5835]

Christopher Xiong why didn't you mention the other Hmong group, the Hmong in north Vietnam that fought for the northern Vietnamese army. They are still now living in northern vietnam with smartphones and satellite tv. They hustle the white men who come visit their town instead of begging and worshipping the white man.

[@rjar1651]

@@traunguyen5835 maybe because that has nothing to do with this situation?

[@tubnquagchannel1338]

Well, Mr. Birley, thanks for leasing this video documentary for the world to see in KZbin. We appreciate your all efforts time in dangerous with them in the jungle.

[@NAVYABHAN]

"The Horror's of going to War" and "Trusting A Man that lies for a living!" I wish there were something I could do even though my own Father fought with the Hmong Tribesmen and died in Vietnam.

[@alwayshungryasmr5973]

I'm from india I'm not hmong but for humanity sake please save this people please😫😢🙏🙏💓

[@CetribeaBurundibwiza-tz5le]

You will never see this on CNN or Fox news. They are all corrupt as same as USA government.

[@ricelor1284]

Cetribea Burundibwiza that’s why Iam on utube

[@chamoua437]

I cry when I see my Hmong people suffer like this. I pray for you all.

[@aceshadowins1310]

Cha Moua don’t cry, be better. Do something that’ll help your people, no one else gonna love and help Hmong if hmong don’t help hmong.

[@ayazahmed-ky4eg]

Why did u supported CIA in killing ur brothers

[@hueyang5943]

America must understand who they asked for help more than 40 years ago and do something to help this people.

[@suaasaapaaraa7535]

Inform to usa get old boom in laos back to their land please.

[@RizztrainingOrder]

We are doing the same thing right now to the brave middle Eastern fighters that helped us. Leaving them to a horrible fate.

[@kwabyr4119]

Petrol-Dollar who is your brave friend Wahhabism and Al Quadia and isis and other Jihadi Islamist? Thank you for showing your true nature to the world.

[@asynan4628]

@@kwabyr4119 Kurd maybe? This tribe remind me of them

The warmonger has money to buy your love that how fake freedom did to the poor people.

[@Dtzeo503]

Lao people say that Hmong people are part of Laos but they do this to them. Idk how it is in Laos right now. But i'm pretty sure there were priviledge Hmong communities while there are communities that have to live in jungles.

[@HungNguyen-mg2bf]

I am a Vietnamese, very sad to see this documentary. We lost the war because the world turned their backs on us and now they forgot us.

[@codyshi4743]

Are your family from South Vietnam? How’s everything going for you and your family currently?

[@codyshi4743]

@@RiceBowl14 Sound like a no-brainer, who hasn't even heard of the Vietnam war.

[@codyshi4743]

@@RiceBowl14 what’s there for me to clean, if I’m not even born around or before the time of the Vietnam War? And how am I a war criminal? For hurting your feelings? Go get a life.

[@RiceBowl14]

@@codyshi4743 your country dog

[@davidleomorley889]

Wow, That was incredible. I hope everyone in the United Nations can/will watch this video...and then act to assist them in improving what is left of their lives. Great work....tragic story.

[@annalarsson5077]

No they wont. The US will put a veto and prevent their war crime to be exposed as they use to do. This journalist might end up in prison exposing US

[@home5u]

Not much being done except for sanction but China got their(communist Lao) back.

[@1lifeonelove1chance]

I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for this documentary 😻 . Thank you to Tony and the team as well for an amazing job! Even though it was dangerous, you guys were willingly to put your life in danger to produce this documentary. 😘

[@Niampovlis]

I remember seeing a video called “lose in the jungle” or something like that from my dad and it would bring a tears to my eyes. It so sad to see what the rest of our people is still going through, when we live in American are still complaining about something so little when these people who live in jungle is just struggling to get food to survive. It so sad to know that our Hmong people had helped but got nothing else is returned. It brings back so much memories of my trip to Laos in 2004 if I remember right, it was a huge cultural change, from the food, housing, farming, schooling, etc... it still hurts to watch and see what our Hmong people is still struggling to get so little.

[@tonitouchberry894]

I once experienced meeting a family who had just moved here from a communist country! I reach out and tried to help! These people were already 100 times better off than the others we just watched and yet I was left feeling helpless to improve their lives! Ohhhh! My heart can barely stand what we have done to these people! What can I do?? What can we do??

[@GoodGollyMissMolly763]

It's taken me three days to watch this video because I couldn't watch it without crying. My dad was recruited by the CIA and fought in the Vietnam war. My moms first husband died fighting along with both of my grandpas that I never met. I am Hmong American and i guarantee if you ask any Hmong family about their passage to America, it's filled with death, persecution and being murdered by the Laos and Vietnamese regimes. Every single family has lost a loved one or entire families. All for what, for believing in freedom and democracy? It hurts my heart so much to see all of my Hmong people crying. We have tried to get help from the US government for years and the UN but it has fallen on deaf ears. My dad and grandfathers believed in freedom, democracy and did not want communism to rule over Laos, that's why they fought. I feel that at this point, the government will continue to ignore those that fought for them. I hope that my fellow Hmong in this clip are still alive and that they weren't all massacred after this aired. My heart is ripping and I feel their pain, despair and sorrow and my tears can't stop flowing. Please post this video link everywhere and let the world know of the CIAs secret army that they abandoned

[@nhiaher2837]

Peb hmoob are powerless and helpless, all we can do is saving and hauling our grievous; Any talking right now is pointless and also dangerous even if you live in the USA and the western world.

[@Vxiong111]

I know this is an old post, but thought I put my comments in here anyways. It is a very sad story about the Hmong people, but like many other people in history, we were not the only ones to have been wronged. Most people, including Hmong, don’t know the story of the Hmong tragedy and betrayal because it was a secret war. Even now, many documents are still top secret and will never be revealed as it would implicate many of our former leaders. Unfortunately, during the war, most of our Hmong people were undereducated and easily manipulated, and many died. Many are still hiding in fear today. However, I have hope that in this new age, we can bring hope to some of these people still hiding in fear. I don’t have much hope in the UN or the US being able to solve this problem alone, but with the hearts and leadership of the Hmong people, both locally and abroad, we may be able to help many of them integrate back into normal society. In the past few years, Hmong people have achieved incredible feats in the world, and have become noticed and are no longer considered the unwanted people of the world. They are now recognized as people who are as good as everyone else if given the opportunity. I am moved to see in the media that Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and many other countries are starting to accept us as part of their people and not just as foreigners in their land. I am proud to be a Hmong American and will do my best to help all Hmong people be proud of who they are and to be of value to their country, making this world a better place for all.

[@skyhigh418]

So sad that these forgotten people got left behind by The U S. They really had nowhere to go. I hope one day they will be able to get out of this hopeless situation.

[@julyseng5653]

Mong, Cambodian and Loa are countries that harmed their own people. They don't have sovereignty, solidarity and patriarch like western countries. I am sad when I saw this happen to human being. Mong is a first native of South East Asia. May God blesses you Tony for bringing up the story to the surface. I hope Christians missionary will help them by God grace.

[@isarili747]

🙏🙏🙏🙏😪😪😪😪 plz help save ppl in jungle in Laos

[@aceshadowins1310]

lovethaidrama11 don’t pray. Do something about it if you want change, you’re in America now right? Spread the news through media, make people notice of the unjust slaughter of your kind. Actions speaks 100% louder than words sonny.

[@NgJackal1990]

Nope, how can we help? We’re not going to send money or aid to them cuz they’re rebels of Laos.

[@N.Grg00]

Ethan Clarke rebels of Your created by your government Idiot # its okey to have tax Break to Corrupt Business man and women to Billions of Dollars huh and Being a greedy of few amount of money to use just to clean your own Shaitt mashed

[@GlobetechtruthJF]

@@NgJackal1990 tRAVEL AND TAKE YOUR MONEY...HAVE A PURPOSE YOU SOUND LIKE YOU NEED ONE.

[@iceyaj3167]

this sadness will be imbedded in our horrible pass and will never be forgotten.

[@seanmoua6810]

Here is the result of cold war between US Vs USSR. To these days, these poor Hmong still suffer the consequences of their greed for power. Vientnam and Laos were the battleground for Mic 21 and F-4 fighter jets combated in the air, while many Hmong had no idea that the earth is round. They had no concept of your political power was that torn them apart. The Hmong families paid the ultimate price even after 40 yrs. Thanks for the courage to document the picture and sharing the video.

[@geyang7257]

😭😭😭😭very sad for those people still live in the Jungle💔💔💔💔😭😭😭😭 I'm can not hold on my tears.

[@tranquilocomoelcielo]

Is there any way we can help this people ? What has happened to them ?

[@raiderwarrior2725]

This is so sad. My heart is breaking for those little children .

[@wodihamassen29]

I been in many Lao temple in the US . they are very wonderful kind and worm people. They are welcoming. I hope good days will come to them. God bless them.

[@AstromuonKuki]

Feeling so pain for looking their struggles.. Just wanna know how they are doing now? Their history is quite similar with us(the kuki people in Manipur India 🇮🇳) Love from Manipur, India 🇮🇳

[@Neosum]

I am Mien. My father fought alongside these people, helping the CIA. My famly was fortunate enough to escape into Thailand's refugee camps and eventually made it to the US.

[@hawjtsim]

The Vietcong would've forgotten about these folks, but because of the video exposing them, they went in to finish the job. It's been 10 years, most of these folks are gone... If you want to help them, don't expose their vulnerability.

[@pohhwacheang803]

It does more harm than good

[@knellknell939]

Vietcong just stay in south Vietnam and they dont exist for now.

[@secretgarden8821]

These Hmong people are not calling this white man father, they are being recorded praying to God Almighty, but showing respect to this white man , asking him at times to help them.

[@tranquilocomoelcielo]

Is there any way we can help this people ? What has happened to them ?

[@aapp953]

Thats just like white people though to misinterpret things like that. Just like when the Spanish encountered the Aztecs like Montezuma and they immediately lathered them in oils and fragrance flowers over them, it is said because they thought they were gods but that wasn't it at all. They did all that because they smelled really bad and the Aztec were extremely clean people that they bathed 2X a day so when the Spanish arrived they didn't shower much at all and their stench offended the people

[@mikekinney9830]

I respect the legendary Hmong. They are amazing guerrilla fighters, the US government simply abandoned them and left them high and dry. They are still committed to a cause of fighting the ruthless, cut-throat communist government of Laos! We should at least be making food, supplies and weapons drops to them! The Hmong are some of the most wonderful people! And the US government had to go and sell them out at the end of the war!!!! The US government needs to start putting serious economic sanctions on Vientiane. They are still our friends & allies and the Hmong will NEVER FORGET HOW THEY WERE ABANDONED & SOLD OUT! I will go light a josh incense stick and PRAY for these wonderful people!

[@nayanmalig]

So after murdering millions of Laotians like cowards by aerial bombing you call their communist govt cut throat ? LOL rogue American banks and businessmen get trillion dollar bailouts and they are capitalist LMAO

[@auhsap]

I hope the people who are doing this video will try to help these people in some way. Tu siab heev vim cov neeg meka siv Hmoob lub zog tab sis tsis xav pab. Thov tswv ntuj tswv teb pab nej nawb. 💙

[@phengzongk496]

I hated being Hmong when I was younger. Hmong people suffered so many defeats in history that it’s pathetic. We are one of the most diasporic ethnic group into the world and we still don’t know how to love each other. A majority of Hmong people don’t even know their own cultural history which is saddening. As I’ve grown wiser with the passing of time, I no longer hate being Hmong.

[@bottle_coke]

Heart goes out to the ones stuck over there. We are not barbarians. We have Hmong state senators, judges, successful business owners.

[@worldentertainmentvang7307]

2023 still watching the war still going on right now in Laos, in the jungles between these Royalist Insurgencies and the LPDR evil brutal Military. Praying for them to escape and get help from International world wide. 🙏😭

[@mundusnovus.]

Can you please tell me where you are watching it? I’ve been researching and want as many sources as I can get

[@tholeetruck]

The American Governments needs to take responsibility for their actions in the Vietnam War, and go back and save my Hmong people. Do not start a war, if you can't finish it! Sometimes I wonder why we had started this United Nations the first place. It doesn't serve any purpose if no one has the heart to help.

[@zoshmoobtsheej8737]

Thank you for shared my Hmong people story!!!!

[@ramonbalibang2453]

This is what true journalism is all about. Kudos Al Jazeera!

[@isarili747]

God plz send someone have power to save this ppl in over 40 yrs in laos

[@kouaxiong1033]

We do this to every country and all the people we go into war with, whether we fight against them or alongside. We always leave everyone behind.

[@Capybaraism]

This hurts my heart.

[@andriameslina23]

hi ... anybody can tell me : how is hmong people in laos today ? are they still hunted by the laos army or they have normal life today ? how about hmong in vietnam now ... they have any problem with vietnam government today ?

[@sunnyboy7038]

We all need to stand up for basic human rights. Tony do something! Help them.

[@julians7268]

Man... I can imagine this was incredibly heartbreaking while at the same time being absolutely terrifying. People do wild things when they feel as though life is totally pointless for anything other than causing them suffering. I'd have been incredibly scared and at the same time totally in awe of these people.

[@mikeponce6875]

I remember when they came to California! Modesto 209 Stockton 209 Merced Fresno Sacramento they came in the 1980s the Chicanos blacks & whites were at war! It was crazy they came to the urban jungle they did not know the culture they lived in super poverty, they would get picked on, they formed gangs.

[@aaaa57345]

Who wants to start an organization to rescue these people?

[@tranquilocomoelcielo]

Is there any way we can help this people ? What has happened to them ?

[@HuabNag]

Seeing the elder Hmong man cry and everyone here begging for help break my heart.

[@jiaxiong8991]

Watching this breaks my heart! I see the women and children suffering and afraid , just makes me tear up. I was born in 1979 in the jungles of luangprobang, Laos when my family and relatives were running from the enemies. My mother told me the story about that time. How we feared for our lives and prayed for survival. Luckily we were able to cross over to Thailand to refugee camps. Then we migrated to America in 1980.

[@Renso1278]

They need help.. Whats wrong america???

[@danieljake4247]

Rick Abrogena too busy helping Mexico

[@lucyxdani2.0]

Daniel Jake good

[@ricelor1284]

Trying to build a wall that will never be build lol

[@smlbcity23]

@@kp5518 those guns are property of the United States and serve the purpose of the United States agenda. So the the u.s are terrorist? These people were force to fight for a cause they know little of.

[@MRBRAZILLIANKING]

Because the hmong people don't benefit America anymore so they don't care now

[@naomiali5802]

My heart melted this very Young lady with d baby .said her husband died year ago .these ppl Just live each day wait 4help .that never will come .make me thank My god

[@tranquilocomoelcielo]

Is there any way we can help this people ? What has happened to them ?

[@nonyabusiness2629]

This was absolutely heartbreaking

[@KOKBOROKIQEDUCATION]

This documentary video made my eyes tear fall .... I pray to God , they may survived from all dangerous soon.

[@donaldesposito2715]

KOKBOROK IQ EDUCATION everyone asks their Gods to help but do nothing themselves. No God will answer the prayers of those who aren’t taking action to fix the problems they pray for God to do for them.

[@brandonlo953]

I wonder if us Hmong people had our own country, how will today’s society be? It will be a different story to tell rather than a genocide of Hmong people.